But Prospects in Both Senate, House Uncertain as Republicans Push for Offsetting the $6.5 Billion Cost

Legislation to resurrect benefits for the long-term unemployed overcame an important procedural hurdle in the Senate Tuesday, triggering a debate over how to cover the cost and whether other changes could ease the bill through the Senate and a wary House.

The bill took a surprising leap forward with the Senate's 60-37 vote to begin formal debate. Before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) all but predicted defeat....